Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have intercepted a major arms shipment in Kano State and arrested a suspected weapons supplier allegedly linked to bandit groups operating in northwestern Nigeria.
The operation, carried out on Thursday in Gezawa Local Government Area, led to the seizure of a cache of military-grade weapons believed to be en route to criminal elements terrorising communities in the region.
According to security sources, the suspect, identified as Abubakar Muhammad, was apprehended following intelligence-driven surveillance by DSS operatives who tracked his movements while transporting the weapons through Kano.
The security team reportedly intercepted the vehicle conveying the arms before it could leave the state, disrupting what authorities described as a key supply route for bandit groups.
Items recovered from the suspect included three AK-47 rifles, four Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launch tubes, and two empty ammunition magazines.
Sources within the security community alleged that the weapons were intended for Saidu Marafa, a suspected bandit leader linked to attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes in parts of Zamfara State.
A senior intelligence source said the operation was made possible through actionable intelligence gathered by the DSS, enabling operatives to monitor the suspect and execute a successful interception.
The source noted that the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks by targeting arms suppliers and logistics channels that sustain banditry and armed violence across the country.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing, including forensic analysis of the recovered weapons and examination of electronic evidence linked to the suspect.
Muhammad remains in custody and is expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations.
